let

I. transitive verb (letted; letted or let; letting) Etymology: Middle English letten, from Old English lettan to delay, hinder; akin to Old High German lezzen to delay, hurt, Old English lǣt late Date: before 12th century archaic hinder, prevent II. noun Date: 12th century 1. something that impedes ; obstruction <

ruled his little world without hindrance or let — B. F. Reilly

> 2. a shot or point in racket games that does not count and must be replayed III. verb (let; letting) Etymology: Middle English leten, from Old English lǣtan; akin to Old High German lāzzan to permit, and perhaps to Lithuanian lėnas tranquil Date: before 12th century transitive verb 1. to cause to ; make <

let me know

> 2. a. chiefly British to offer or grant for rent or lease <

let rooms

> b. to assign especially after bids <

let a contract

> 3. a. to give opportunity to or fail to prevent <

live and let live

> <

a break in the clouds let us see the summit

> <

let the opportunity slip

> b. — used in the imperative to introduce a request or proposal <

let us pray

> c. — used as an auxiliary to express a warning <

let him try

> 4. to free from or as if from confinement <

let out a scream

> <

let blood

> 5. to permit to enter, pass, or leave <

let them through

> <

let them off with a warning

> 6. to make an adjustment to <

let out the waist

> intransitive verb 1. chiefly British to become rented or leased 2. to become awarded to a contractor Synonyms: see hire